S. Sudan youth group urges Kiir to appoint people’s cabinet
July 27, 2012 (JUBA) – A concerned youth group on Friday urged South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir, to put in place a cabinet that will fulfill the hopes and aspirations of South Sudanese.
The president, in another decree, also removed Pagan Amum, the secretary general of South Sudan’s ruling party – the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement (SPLM) – and demanded investigations into his political activities.
At a press conference held in Juba, Agel Riing Machar, the chairperson of the SPLM – Concerned Youth Group said its members strongly support the president’s dissolution of government.
“The SPLM – Concerned Youth Group would like to register its unwavering support to the president of the republic for the job well done thus far,” Agel told the press on Friday.
“We trust president will put in place a government which will fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people of South Sudan and above all give special consideration to the youth who are the backbone of this nation”, he added.
The group, known for advocating change within the SPLM Youth League, specifically lauded president Kiir’s recent stance against rampant corruption, disunity and politics of anarchy.
“We would also want to call on all the youth of all walks of life to stand firm with the president during this time of change and renewal,” Agel stressed.
SIMILAR CALLS IN SUPPORT
The governors of Jonglei, Lakes and Eastern Equatoria states have already issued public statement in support of the South Sudanese leader’s decision to dissolve his entire cabinet.
Louis Lobong Lojore, the Eastern Equatoria governor said Kiir had answered citizens’ call for a reduction in cabinet, while his Jonglei counterpart, Kuol Manyang described the president’s move as a “wise decision”.
The new cabinet will consist of 19 ministries slashed from 29.
POWER STRUGGLES
South Sudan’s ruling party has increasingly been paralysed by internal bickering and power struggles.
Earlier this month, Kiir removed his former ally, the governor of Unity state Taban Deng, amid reports he had been campaigning in Washington to win support for Machar’s candidature for the presidency.
Not long before that, he suspended cabinet affairs minister Deng Alor and finance minister Kosti Manibe over corruption allegations.
Both Machar and Amum criticised Kiir over his handling of the matter, calling it a political decision and an abuse of power.
The president has also ordered that Amum be investigated, accusing him of inciting violence and criticising his actions.
(ST)